November 18, 2024
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 25, 2024.The deadline for submissions this week is Thursday, November 21, at 4:30 pm.
The Diocese of Erie Information Bulletin advertises and promotes activities and events sponsored by diocesan entities such as parishes, schools, religious communities and groups. The IB is unable to advertise or promote activities or events not sponsored by such entities. Submissions may run a maximum of two editions. The administrative offices of the diocese reserve the right to edit submissions.
Email your Information Bulletin items to the editor.
2024 Collection for Retired Religious
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2024 collection for Retired Religious, taken the weekend of Dec. 7-8, 2024. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of Nov. 26-27, 2024. Also attached are pulpit and bulletin announcements for your use.
#iGiveCatholic Advanced Giving starts today, runs through Giving Tuesday
Starting today and running through Dec. 3, #iGiveCatholic donations can be made online at erie.igivecatholic.org or directly to a participating parish, school or ministry by cash or check. Organizations may consider emailing supporters, posting on social media or inserting a notice in bulletins or newsletters. It is also time to post #iGiveCatholic yard signs. Contact Elizabeth Rathburn with questions at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814.824.1257.
Diocese of Erie liturgical calendar
Attached is the liturgical calendar for the Diocese of Erie as prepared by the Office for Divine Worship. The purpose of the document is to provide all who are involved with liturgies (pastors, deacons, music directors, etc.) with as much information as possible for the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries. It does not replace the Ordo from Paulist Press. It does, however, provide much more information for liturgical celebrations in the Diocese of Erie. This is a “living document” that will grow and be refined each year. Any insights, corrections and suggestions are welcome as Liturgical Year 2025 unfolds. Please contact Maripat Grant at 814.824.1271.
Jubilee 2025
Pope Francis will inaugurate the Jubilee Year at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. Bishop Persico will inaugurate the Jubilee Year, with the bishops of the world, each in their cathedral church, the following Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family. Priests are asked to bring these celebrations to the attention of your people at the end of your parish’s principal Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Please see the attachment for more information.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass times are needed
Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass times are frequently requested by parishioners. The Office of Communications collects this information and creates a landing page on our diocesan website for the public to access this important information. Therefore, the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Erie asks each parish to please provide details by Dec. 6. Please submit the following:
- Parish name
- Parish town
- Parish contact person
- Parish contact person email
- Parish contact person phone
- Christmas Eve Mass times
- Christmas Day Mass time(s)
This landing page on www.ErieRCD.org will be launched on Dec. 13. Note: For convenience, copy and paste the above categories and provide your information in an email to Rich Papalia, webmaster, at rpapalia@ErieRCD.org.
Office for Divine Worship monthly newsletter
The Office for Divine Worship presents a monthly newsletter to aid in preparing celebrations that will occur in that particular month. The December newsletter is attached.
Suggestions for password safety and protection
As we engage with the digital world, safeguarding our online accounts is essential. Create a robust password to ensure your accounts remain secure. Remember, hackers often don’t break in; they simply sign in. By following these simple guidelines, we can work together to keep our online community safe. Thank you for taking these important steps to protect your personal information.
- Aim for a password at least twelve characters long, fourteen or more is even better.
- Incorporate uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
- Avoid words found in the dictionary, as well as names of people, characters or organizations.
- Ensure your new password is significantly different from any you’ve used before. Make a password that is meaningful to you but hard for others to guess.
Christmas Mass templates in Ministry Platform
Attention pastors and parish staff: Inform your parishioners about your Christmas Mass times by sending them an email through Ministry Platform with a Christmas Mass times template. Tip: once you create your own template, you can reuse it every year. Click this link https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/computer/mp/specialeventsemail.pdf to download the instructions. If you need email templates for other common parish events, please email it@eriercd.org. Additionally, if you’re looking for customizable banners for your diocesan-hosted website or Facebook page for the upcoming holiday season, check out our selection here: https://www.eriercd.org/ParishPlaceGraphics.html. This season, we have banners for the feather party, Christmas market, and Christmas Mass times. These graphics are designed to work with the Diocese of Erie website system but may also be compatible with other websites. Instructions for downloading and using the graphics can be found at the top of the website.
Job openings in the diocese
See the classified section below for the latest position openings. Here’s a quick link to diocesan, school and parish jobs: https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html. For Erie Catholic School System jobs only, go to https://www.eriecatholic.org/about/careers.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Collection for Retired Religious Parish appeal pulpit announcement Liturgical Calendar Jubilee 2025 Office for Divine Worship monthly newsletter A Merry Mercy Christmas Saint Eusebius Parish annual turkey bingo Saint Andrew Church Christmas Concert flyer Way of the Star – Vigil Project flyer A Journey to Joy – Frank Runyeon flyer |
Our Lady of Mercy presents A Merry Mercy Christmas craft show
Our Lady of Mercy Parish is excited to celebrate all the wonders and joys of the Christmas season with the greater community. A Merry Mercy Christmas craft show will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, starting at 2 pm at 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek. There will be special performances, crafts, shopping, food to purchase and of course Santa and his live reindeer, plus so much more. This event is free and open to the public. We look forward to spending the day with you as we anticipate the excitement of Christmas with a day of fun for all ages! A flyer is attached for parish bulletins.
Our Lady of Peace Parish to host garage sale benefitting Troop-59 Boy Scouts
Our Lady of Peace Parish is hosting a Christmas themed garage sale with proceeds benefiting the Boy Scouts of America, Troop-59. Those wishing to participate may drop items off on Monday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 2, from 6-8 pm at Our Lady of Peace Scout House on the corner of West 38th and Pacific Ave., Erie. The sale will be held in the Our Lady of Peace school cafeteria on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8 am -12 pm and 4-7 pm, and on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8 am -12 pm.
Donations from this Christmas sale will benefit activities for OLP and West Lake FD Troop-59. For questions, please call Alyson Dana at 814.490.3493 or alysondana81@gmail.com.
Saint Eusebius Parish annual turkey bingo
The Saint Eusebius Parish annual turkey bingo will be held at the Saint Eusebius Parish social hall, 301 E. 2nd St., East Brady, on Nov. 25 at 7 pm. There will be bingo, raffle prizes and food for purchase. A parish friendly flier is attached.
Free Christmas concert presented by Saint Andrew Church
Saint Andrew Church, 1116 West 7th Street Erie, presents Getting in the Christmas Spirit performed by Dave Vanamberg’s “The V Band” on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1 pm. Donations are appreciated. All proceeds benefit the Community of Caring. An informational flyer is attached suitable for parish bulletins.
Saint Francis Xavier Parish presents The Vigil Project: Way of the Star mission experience
Saint Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 W. Main Street McKean, presents The Vigil Project: Way of the Star on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at 6:30 pm with doors opening at 6 pm. This event is a one-night Advent mission experience of scripture, music, art and Eucharistic encounter. Led by nationally renowned Catholic musicians, this event will guide the audience through meditations on the Infancy Narrative. After opening hearts to the mystery of the Incarnation through meditation, music and artwork, there will be a seamless transition into an encounter with the true presence of Christ in Eucharistic Adoration. This is a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas. This event is free and open to the public. A flyer is attached for parish bulletins. For questions, please contact the parish office: evangelization@stfrancisxaviermckean.org.
Saint Bartholomew Parish presents A Journey to Joy with Frank Runyeon
Join actor Frank Runyeon as he performs gospel stories on Nov. 17-19 at Saint Bartholomew Parish, 311 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville. These free events are open to all ages. Details are included below and on the attached flyer.
Monday, Nov. 18 at 6 pm | Salt and Light, followed by Sermon on the Mount
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7 pm | Hollywood vs. Faith
Switchboard/mailroom associate
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a full-time switchboard/mailroom associate. Go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html for complete position details and the application process.
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